Abstract: A method for determining occupancy of a parking space using a heat map includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors positioned such that a surface area is within a field of view, the sensor data at least indicating a speed and location of a traffic participant. Generating the heat map based on the traffic participant(s) and determining a heat index associated with each portion of the heat map. Determining a traffic participant is stopping, parking, or leaving a parking space based upon the change of speed movement between, high and low, and moving or parking, heat index portions.

Abstract: A trailer reverse assist system includes a coupler angle detection sensor to detect a zero degree angle of the trailer relative to the vehicle. A drift controller receives signals from vehicle dynamics sensors. The drift controller is electrically connected with a trailer reverse assist module. When the vehicle is backing up the trailer on the intended straight line implied path and since the coupler angle sensor, detecting the zero degree angle, is not perfectly calibrated, based in the signals from the vehicle dynamics sensors, the drift controller 1) estimates a distance that the trailer has drifted from the straight line desired path and 2) in a closed-loop feedback manner, provides a drift correction signal to the trailer reverse assist module for modifying the value of the zero degree angle and thus cause adjustment of the steering system to realign the trailer towards the straight line implied path without manual steering intervention.

Abstract: The tipping of a tractor operating on an inclined surface is prevented by deploying a sideways moving stabilizer before the tractor's inclination angle is too low and below which the tractor will tip over.

Abstract: A method and system corrects steering of a vehicle upon a brake system malfunction. The brake system has a diagonal split layout. An electronic brake system (EBS) controls operation of the master cylinder. An electronic power steering system (EPS) includes sensors to measure motion and torque of a steering column of the vehicle and includes a motor to provide torque to the steering column. During driver braking when one of the brake circuits has failed, the system calculates a yaw torque value introduced by a driver braking with just one functioning brake circuit. Based on a steer wheel angle and a steer wheel torque obtained from the sensors of the EPS and on the yaw torque value, a steer wheel torque request defining a steer wheel torque/angle needed to counter the yaw torque value is calculated and sent the EPS which operates the motor to compensate for the steering deviation.

Abstract: A method of maneuvering a vehicle in reverse for attachment to a trailer, includes receiving a trailer hitch receiver image location shown within one or more images from at least one vehicle camera. The method also includes determining, a pixel angular difference in the image between a tow vehicle fore-aft axis and a trailer fore-aft axis, determining a pixel distance between a tow vehicle hitch ball and a hitch receiver, and determining a vehicle path from an initial position to a final position adjacent the trailer. The vehicle path includes maneuvers configured to move the vehicle along the vehicle path from the initial position to the final position. Then autonomously following, at a drive system in communication with the computing device, the vehicle path from the initial position to the final position.

Abstract: A method for detecting lane boundaries includes operating a vehicle on a road that has a lane marking in a visible condition. A position of a stationary object and a position of the lane marking are detected. Data regarding the positions of the stationary object and the lane marking are stored. The vehicle is operated on the road having the lane marking in a not visible condition while referencing the stored data.

Abstract: A touchscreen having a haptic feedback device includes an electrooptical display with an input area located in front of the electrooptical display and a carrier. The display is mechanically connected, rigidly, to the input area. The input area is movable relative to the carrier by a motor. The electrooptical display is illuminated by a light source connected immovably to the carrier.

Abstract: A device for vehicle-to-X (V2X) communication, including a computing apparatus for data processing and a generating apparatus for generating vehicle-to-X messages by a protocol stack. The computing apparatus is configured to forecast an anticipated event triggering the broadcasting of a V2X message and to produce data forecast on the basis of the anticipated event and to provide the same to the generating apparatus for generating a forecast vehicle-to-X message. A corresponding method as well as the use of the device in a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid pump valve assembly includes: a valve body; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet defined in the valve body; an inlet disk and an outlet disk movably disposed in the valve body; and a valve seat fixed within the valve body and including a disk member including at least one first aperture defined axially through the disk member, and at least one second aperture defined axially through the disk member, the inlet disk and the valve seat forming at least part of an inlet valve and the outlet disk and the valve seat forming at least part of an outlet valve. An inlet chamber is disposed upstream of the inlet valve, a pump chamber is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the outlet valve, and an outlet chamber is disposed downstream of the outlet valve. The inlet chamber surrounds the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a trailer coupler of a trailer is provided. The method includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a back portion of a tow vehicle and determining a region of interest within the images. The region of interest includes a representation of the trailer coupler. The method includes determining a camera plane and a road plane. In addition, the method includes determining a three-dimensional point cloud representing objects inside the region of interest and within the camera plane and the road plane. The method also includes receiving sensor data from a sensor system and determining a coupler location of the trailer coupler based on the 3D point cloud and the sensor data. The method also includes sending instructions to a drive system causing the tow vehicle to autonomously drive along a path in a rearward direction towards the coupler location.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly of a fuel pump is disclosed, including a housing having an open end and a partly closed end; a pole piece fixedly disposed within the housing; a bobbin assembly disposed within the housing and including a coil disposed proximal to the pole piece; and a bobbin retainer disposed between the open end of the housing and the bobbin assembly, a radially outer surface of the bobbin retainer contacting the housing. A portion of the housing which is adjacent the bobbin retainer has an outer surface that is recessed and an inner surface that protrudes against the bobbin retainer. The portion is created by deforming the housing to create the protrusion on the inner surface of the housing. The housing inner surface protrusion provides a press fit engagement with the bobbin retainer.

Abstract: A battery fault detection system includes a battery providing a battery voltage signal, and a detection circuit. The detection circuit includes a steep drop detector circuit constructed and arranged to detect a first occurrence of a steep voltage drop of the battery voltage signal and establish a time window, with the steep voltage drop detection defining a first condition; a slope measurer circuit constructed and arranged to measure positive slope values of the battery voltage signal; and a slope comparator circuit constructed and arranged to compare a measured positive slope value with a reference voltage and if the measured positive slope value is greater than the reference voltage, a second condition is defined. The detection circuit is constructed and arranged to indicate a properly working battery only upon the occurrence of both the first and second conditions.

Abstract: For each pair of traffic participants (TPs) entering an intersection, a time to collision (TTC) value is calculated. A matrix of TTC values between TPs entering the intersection is created. A matrix of criticality values containing a respective criticality value for each pair of TPs is created. Each criticality value is determined as a function of both TTC and at least one additional weighting factor. A basic safety message (BSM) and/or a pedestrian safety message (PSM) is broadcast on behalf of at least one traffic participant based on having determined the criticality for each pair of traffic participants and having identified a near-miss and/or a potential-collision situation between traffic participants based on the respective criticality values in the matrix of criticality values. One or more warnings are provided to a pedestrian, a driver of a vehicle, and/or a cyclist based on the broadcasted BSM and/or PSM.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more vehicle lights of a vehicle during execution of a vehicle function based on image analysis is provided. The method includes receiving instructions to analyze one or more images captured by a camera supported by the vehicle. The method also includes transmitting instructions to a vehicle light system including the one or more lights positioned within a vicinity of the camera. The instructions causing a change in a current state of the one or more lights to a temporary state. During the temporary state, the method includes receiving one or more images from the camera, and identifying one or more reference points within the one or more images.

Abstract: An assembly includes an optical element having a light-shaping region. A light emitter is aimed into the optical element along an internal reflective path. The internal reflective path extends across the light-shaping region. A photodetector is positioned along the internal reflective path. Integrity of the optical element is determined based on detection of light from the light emitter along the internal reflective path by the photodetector.

Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.

Abstract: A method for detecting and identifying modules of a bus system is provided. The bus system includes a control unit, a bus starting from the control unit, and a plurality of modules connected to the bus. The method includes providing a current sink associated with each of the one or more modules. The current sink includes a transistor. The method includes providing a hall sensor associated with each of the one or more modules. The hall sensor detects a current on a low-side data line of the bus. For each one of the one or more modules: when the hall sensor detects a current on the low-side data line, the method includes maintaining a closed position of the transistor; and when the hall sensor fails to detect a current on the low-side data line, the method includes opening the transistor such that current does not flow to the module.

Abstract: An elevation mechanism for a central input selector knob includes: a cylindrical cam having two cylindrical rails; a central input device mounted on a slider cylinder having two opposite ends of a pin that run in the two cylindrical rails to move the central input device between an operation position and a storage position; a cap that has two opposite guiding ribs configured to slide into rails of a main housing, the cap being attached to the main housing such that the slider cylinder is enclosed by the main housing and the cap; and a motor having an axis where a second gear is mounted, the second gear being configured and arranged to transmit movement to a first gear thereby causing the slider cylinder to move thereby moving the central input device between the operation position and the storage position.

Abstract: The present invention is a throttle body assembly which is adaptable for both gasoline and diesel applications, and may also be used for applications to meter fluid, such as for a water cooling valve. The throttle body assembly includes at least one bearing assembly and at least one seal which is used to configure the bearing assembly to withstand a high-pressure environment.

Abstract: A Lidar system includes an illumination system that includes an optical element and a light emitter aimed at the optical element. An exit window is positioned to receive light directed from the optical element. The illumination system may include a light-receiving element including a beam dump and/or a photodetector. The light-receiving element is positioned to receive light directed from the optical element. The light-receiving element and the exit window are on the same side of the optical element. The illumination system may include a light shield between the photodetector and the exit window. The light shield is positioned to shield the photodetector from light passing through the exit window.